Blade The Series: "Hunters" Review

Blade and Shen hunt down a rogue vampire known as "The White Prince."

"Hunters" is the first (mostly) stand alone episode for Blade: The Series. While there are certainly some elements of the continuing storyline, it's the first time that the show has mostly focused on an outside villain with a main plot that is self-contained. This is the reverse of most shows that use the early episodes to bring in viewers and shy away from creating too much of a mythology up front. The end result is that these early episodes are often forgettable prototypes featuring rough versions of the characters and the show's dynamic. Blade skipped this tradition, having the ability to use the films as a springboard and assume the audience already knows the story.

"Hunters" is a good sidetrack episode. It continues the show's tradition of gruesome violence and disturbing concepts with the introduction of a rogue vampire who dismembers his victims, including taking their teeth to stick to his mask. The fact that 'The White Prince' also believes he's a Seraphim (the product of humans and angels) and is some sort of psychotic religious fanatic is a fun alternative to the sane (by comparison) and businesslike vampires of the 12 Houses.

This episode also gives us a glimpse into why Shen works for Blade. There is mention of his sister, and how he helped people even before working for the Daywalker. Nelson Lee, always a solid presence, proves to be one of the best actors on the show. He's an excellent foil for the emotionless Blade, who, when asked if he feels anything, explains to Shen "I have you to do that for me." It's a telling moment and gives greater weight to their relationship. This is emphasized when Shen is cut off and Blade knows he's in trouble; Blade stops messing around, beats up the bouncer, clears out the club, and barges through the door into the White Prince's lair.

With moments like this, we don't need Blade to make introductions the way he does in this episode. When Shen tells Bethany that there will be someone else helping them, the guitar riff starts and Blade dramatically opens a door to step into a shaft of light. There's then the tracking "hero shot' as the riff thumps loudly on the soundtrack. This seems to be channeling the I'm Gonna Git You Sucka belief that "Every hero needs a theme song." While it does seem to be done a bit tongue in cheek, it's unnecessary. Blade's the title character, he's plenty cool enough, he doesn't need goofy shots like this one.

Emily Hirst as Charlotte

While Blade locks Krista up to shake her blood addiction, the question remains as to whether that's going to be enough. As we saw last episode, it wasn't just her need for blood that shook her loyalties. It was also learning about Marcus's past and eventually falling for Marcus himself. Krista has lost her entire family and Chthon presents an alternative. Blade mostly presents a joyless need for revenge and a fight without end. Although Krista breaks out of her cell and doesn't leave, she still doesn't seem all that enthusiastic to continue being Blade's mole within Chthon.

Speaking of moles and shifting loyalties, there's little doubt that Chase remains loyal to Marcus. Charlotte wants to divide and conquer, but seems to be truly fooled by Chase's double agent ploy. As the season nears its final episodes it is approaching the showdown between Marcus and the purebloods - with Blade attempting to turn that to his advantage. With the show recently hitting its stride, and the track record of surprising turns and offing characters, it should be interesting to watch, if only to see who makes it out alive.